GM @ Chicago 2008: Hummer H3T

[Chris_Doane]

For release: Feb. 1, 2008, 12:01 a.m. EST (Material has already been published by several outlets.)

2009 H3T BRINGS HUMMER’S UNIQUE STYLE AND

LEGENDARY CAPABILITY TO THE TRUCK MARKET

-Exclusive standard full-time four-wheel drive with 32-inch tires and skid plates

-Crew cab body style with seating for five

-Five-foot (1.5 meters) bed capable of carrying two dirt bikes, a snowmobile or ATV and full sheets of plywood

-Extensive portfolio of officially licensed accessories

-Standard StabiliTrak and head curtain side air bags

-H3T Alpha with 5.3L V-8 and a 5,900-lb. (2,676 kg) towing capacity

CHICAGO – HUMMER is bringing its unmistakable style and unmatched capability to the truck market with the 2009 H3T. It is based on the architecture of the popular H3, but features a five-passenger crew cab and a separate five-foot-long (1.5 meters) bed.

The H3T is bigger than a midsize truck and smaller than a full-size truck, creating its own niche in the market. It also is infused with the attributes expected of a HUMMER, including exceptional off-road capability and a premium interior that is as functional as it is comfortable.

“With its unique size and HUMMER traits, the H3T is ideal for the customer who works hard and plays harder,” said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. "It offers the combination of truck versatility and HUMMER off-road prowess that delivers customers to the trail in style.”

In addition to its segment-defying size, the H3T also stands apart from other trucks with its signature HUMMER off-road capability. It is the only midsize truck to come standard with full-time four-wheel drive, 32-inch tires and functional skid shields. It also is the only midsize truck to offer front and rear locking differentials, as well as 33-inch tires. The V-8-powered H3T Alpha can tow up to 5,900 pounds (2,676 kg).

The H3T is offered in four trim levels, including five-cylinder models and the popular, V-8-powered H3T Alpha edition. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2008 at GM’s Shreveport, La., assembly plant, with vehicles arriving at HUMMER dealerships shortly thereafter. HUMMER will sell the H3T in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

Design

Like all HUMMER models, the H3T has a purposeful design. Its consistent and iconic styling cues include a wide, aggressive stance; a low roofline and high beltline; and large, off-road tires. The wide, seven-slot grille and round headlamps mounted in square housings are signature HUMMER design elements.

“Form following function is at the core of HUMMER’s design philosophy, and the H3T’s capability reflects that mantra,” said Carl Zipfel, HUMMER director of design and former motocross professional. “It has a distinctive look that could be mistaken for nothing except a HUMMER – and it also has the functionality to get the driver to and from the trail in style.”

The crew cab body shares H3 styling and components from the B-pillar forward, while the rear section of the cab and the separate bed are unique to the H3T. The five-foot bed is similar in design and function to GM’s recently redesigned full-size trucks, including an easily removable tailgate and provisions for a bed-rail accessory system. A full-size spare tire is mounted beneath the bed.

The bed is sized to carry a wide range of popular outdoor necessities, from hauling motocross bikes to Baja, a quad to camp, or backcountry gear to the trailhead. One of the industry’s largest portfolios of accessories complements the H3T’s bed, offering different cargo management options to suit all of those lifestyle interests.

Accessories

One of the industry’s broadest portfolios of vehicle accessories has been developed for the H3T. Centered on active lifestyles, items such as removable and lockable bed-mounted storage boxes; an adjustable bike chock that can be used to help secure mountain bikes or motorcycles; and a bed extender make full use of the standard bed-rail cargo management system. A range of additional accessories that improves off-road capabilities, provides passenger entertainment and enhances exterior styling is also available. There are more than 75 HUMMER Genuine Accessories offered.

In addition to the factory-developed accessory portfolio, HUMMER has partnered with top automotive aftermarket companies to develop more than 50 Officially Licensed HUMMER Accessories – a first for the brand. A variety of exterior enhancements, such as a Slant Back Bed Cover, hard tonneau covers and a winch are offered, along with cargo management solutions such as the BedSlide and bed divider, offering countless possibilities to personalize the H3T.

Interior

The H3T’s crew cab cabin offers seating for five adults, with a 60/40-split rear bench seat that folds flat for increased cargo-carrying options. The cabin’s layout is essentially identical to the acclaimed H3 SUV, with premium materials and attention to detail that give the vehicle a functional yet refined aesthetic.

Standard amenities also include air conditioning, power locks, power windows and remote keyless entry. An AM/FM radio with CD is standard and a premium Monsoon audio system is available. XM Satellite Radio also is standard and includes three months of trial service.

HUMMER’s Rear Vision system and a navigation system are available. The Rear Vision system uses a camera mounted on the rear bumper, directly above the trailer hitch mount, to provide a view of objects directly behind the vehicle. Also, the safety and security of OnStar is standard, with Turn-By-Turn Navigation and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity available.

Powertrain

Standard in the H3T is the Vortec 3.7L I-5 with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. This inline five-cylinder engine offers an excellent combination of power and efficiency, delivering 242 horsepower (180 kW) at 5600 rpm* and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (328 Nm) at 4600 rpm. It is backed by a five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed, electronically controlled automatic.

The H3T Alpha’s 5.3L engine is a powerful and efficient member of GM’s legendary small-block V-8 family. It is rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW)* and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm).* An aluminum cylinder block is used with the H3 Alpha’s engine. It helps reduce overall mass and maintains a more desirable front-to-rear weight balance.

A Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 5.3L engine. Flat towing is enabled on all H3 and H3T models.

Chassis

The H3T’s frame and suspension system are based on a stretched version of the H3 SUV’s chassis and suspension – the same race-proven design found on Baja 1000-winning stock-class race trucks. The wheelbase measures 134.2 inches (3,409 mm) – 22 inches (86 mm) longer than the H3 SUV.

A ladder-type frame is the truck’s foundation and it has a modular, three-piece design that incorporates fully boxed components for outstanding strength and stiffness. An independent SLA torsion bar front suspension and multileaf Hotchkiss-type rear suspension are used. There are two suspension packages available:

Z85 Heavy-Duty Handling and Trailering – This standard suspension delivers an excellent balance of on-highway comfort and off-road capability. It includes 32-inch all-terrain tires mounted on 16-inch, smoke-color steel wheels, specially tuned heavy-duty shocks and either a 4.56-ratio (3.7L) or 4.10-ratio (5.3L) rear axle.

Off-Road Adventure – Designed for more aggressive off-road performance, this optional suspension package includes taller, 33-inch tires, specifically tuned shocks, locking front and rear differentials, 4.03:1 low-range gearing in the transfer case and industry-leading crawl ratios of either 68.9 with the manual transmission or 56.2 with the automatic.

To support the torque output of the 5.3L V-8, the H3T Alpha’s front differential case is made of cast iron; other models feature an aluminum case. V-8-powered vehicles also receive higher torsion bar rates to support the increased mass and specific shock valving. The chassis and suspensions were validated in real-world testing on off-road trails in Moab, Utah; the Rubicon Trail in California, and other challenging off-road venues.

Off-road capability

The H3T lives up to HUMMER’s legendary off-road reputation, with best-in-class extreme off-road capability. Highlights include:

-Ability to climb a 60-percent grade and traverse a 40-percent side slope

-Exceptional 10.2-inch (285 mm) ground clearance (with 33-inch tires)

-38.7-degree approach angle and 30.1-degree departure angle (with 33-inch tires)

-Segment-first available front- and rear-locking differentials

-Standard HUMMER Hill Hold Assist for improved hill ascension

“For most lifestyles, there’s almost nothing the H3T can’t handle,” said Walsh. “It’s a truck with HUMMER’s immutable capability.”

Complementing the features that enable the H3T’s impressive off-road prowess are a host of first-class protective elements, including four standard skid shields: a front shield, an oil-pan shield/front-axle shield, a transfer case shield and a fuel tank shield.

Safety

Continuing HUMMER’s tradition of delivering a broad range of safety systems, the H3T offers the following standard features:

-Dual frontal air bags with GM’s passenger sensing system

-Head curtain side-impact air bags

-StabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability control system

-Four-wheel ABS with traction control

-Tire pressure monitoring system

-LATCH rear child seat anchors

-OnStar with one-year Safe & Sound service

The H3T was also designed for vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility in the event of a crash, and its rigid body structure provides good passenger protection.

# # #

[Chris_Doane]

[Cory Wolfe]

No 2 seater? That's gay.

[Chris_Doane]

No 2 seater? Teh Gheyez.

It twas never gonna be a 2 seater.

[Intrepidation]

How exciting. OOoo, look at me, I can lop the upper have of the rear off a normal H3, lengthen this newfound section a bit, and put a nice big panel cab between it and the rest of the truck.

I mean c'mon, it took this long and that's the best they could come up with? Not even make it look a little different? Still kinda cool though, if it sells well maybe it'll get Jeep to finally bring us the Gladiator.

[Camino LS6]

Seems a decent little truck to me.

What's the price?

[Z-06]

DF I agree with you. This thing should have been here last year.

Although it is a better execution than the H2-SUT.

A 3.6L DOHC mill would have justified that much amount of lead time. May be they did not have any testers to run the thing. .

Edited January 26, 2008 by smallchevy

[Intrepidation]

DF I agree with you. This thing should have been here last year.

Although it is a better execution than the H2-SUT.

I agree.

[Northstar]

I'm guessing it took so long because it wasn't very high up on GM's priority list.

[pow]

Having a useful bed and therefore some actual utility kinda justifies having a HUMMER. The powertrain options are a bit disappointing - poorer fuel economy and less power than a full-size GMT900 - but it looks unique.

[ocnblu]

I actually like that a lot, but wish there were a regular cab/six foot bed version, which by the way would be less apt to get itself high-centered while in the bush.

[04monteintimidator]

i agree with ocn... first thing i thought when i saw this was "I hope they make a normal cab and bigger bed version"

im not much of a truck guy... but theres something about both this and the GMT-900 avalanche that just strikes me... i really like it

[z28luvr01]

+1 on wanting the regular cab. I really liked the H3T concept pickup, so I'm a little let down. It'll do fine though, and the inside blows away the Colorado/Canyon

[RJB]

What a pointless vehicle, I bet for the price they are going to ask for it you can get an Avalanche, which is more capable cargo-wise. I do like the motorcycles in the photos though

Edited January 26, 2008 by RJB

[regfootball]

i am not seeing any Hummer design language or 'brand DNA' in its interiors.........

[K.C.]

I like it, and welcome Hummer to the truck business. I expect the price to be in the $30K to $40K range for one of these. What do you guys think?

[Chris_Doane]

I expect the price to be in the $30K to $40K range for one of these. What do you guys think?

Im thinking the low end of that range or maybe less. According to the press release I didn't post with all the specs (its a bitch to format) GM wants it to compete with the Dakota, Frontier and Tacoma.

[K.C.]

Oh, well in that case, let the decontenting begin!

If this thing is successful, then we can possibly see a production Jeep Gladiator.

[pow]

Im thinking the low end of that range or maybe less. According to the press release I didn't post with all the specs (its a bitch to format) GM wants it to compete with the Dakota, Frontier and Tacoma.

Tacoma Double Cab V6 4x4 Automatic -- $26,300

Frontier Crew Cab SE V6 4x4 Automatic -- $25,395

Dakota Crew Cab ST V6 4x4 Automatic -- $26,875

H3 Automatic - $32,550

I wonder if the H3T will be less expensive than the H3..

[SuperSport623]

i actually like it, but a Midgate would make it sick....

[knightfan26917]

I kinda like this.

But ... it just seems a bit ironic, considering GM's decision to nix the RWD Impala, etc., due to CAFE requirements....

*shrugs*

Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker

CDshowcase=www.WRMN1410.com*SATURDAY.january26*2p-5p.and.8p-11p.CENTRAL

"I see our time has gotten stale" ... Eve 6 ... 'Inside Out'

[VenSeattle]

I kinda like this.

But ... it just seems a bit ironic, considering GM's decision to nix the RWD Impala, etc., due to CAFE requirements....

*shrugs*

Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker

CDshowcase=www.WRMN1410.com*SATURDAY.january26*2p-5p.and.8p-11p.CENTRAL

"I see our time has gotten stale" ... Eve 6 ... 'Inside Out'

Well, with HUMMER's center moving to South America, it's very possible the next gen of this vehicle will be imported.

[VenSeattle]

Forgot to say, I actually like this. I'm also curious about pricing. Someone in my building just bought an H3... I see it every day.

It's funny... the H3 looks better dirty than clean.

The image I get from the H3 is of a tough little bitch that hates to be bathed.

I think a cool commercial for the H3 would be of a husband/BF/partner walking out of his house just to find fresh muddy tire tracks leading up to the garage door... He gets upset and says something to the effect that he just hosed the driveway down... lol (kind of how a dog comes in from outside and tracks mud onto a fresh clean kitchen floor. )

[Duncan]

Forgot to say, I actually like this. I'm also curious about pricing. Someone in my building just bought an H3... I see it every day.

It's funny... the H3 looks better dirty than clean.

The image I get from the H3 is of a tough little bitch that hates to be bathed.

I think a cool commercial for the H3 would be of a husband/BF/partner walking out of his house just to find fresh muddy tire tracks leading up to the garage door... He gets upset and says something to the effect that he just hosed the driveway down... lol (kind of how a dog comes in from outside and tracks mud onto a fresh clean kitchen floor. )

That's a good one. I was thinking of one where you see the truck from a variety of angles, but not into the bed.

Then, when the truck finally arrives at something like the Giant Sand Dunes, you finally see the tailgate open up - and a little kid rides out on a Power Wheels Hummer. The tagline:

"H3T Alpha. It really hauls."

:AH-HA_wink:

I am also in agreement that this very capable-looking pickup ought to spur Chrysler into giving us a production Jeep Gladiator.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

A few thoughts:

1) I REALLY like this a lot! But I agree that it should've been here sooner and could've went a little further in it's mission. I wonder if all that talk of phasing out or selling Hummer a while back had something to do with it's too late arrival?

2) So this is essentially going to try and do what the Colorado and Canyon should've been designed to do in the first place? That makes me wonder if this is why GM has all but forgotten about the other 2 GMT355s despite showing many 'show cars' hinting at MCEs. GM figures it can kill 2 birds with one stone by introducing a truck to the market that can seriously (Maybe) go after the stated competition as well as throwing Hummer a bone in these increasingly anti-Hummer times. Will they be successful? I'm not sure, but I can tell you that I don't think this will have the amount of utility that the competition has.

3) This H3T is certain to suffer the same fate as the H2 SUT. The foundation is already too dated for a new offering from it to make much of an impact on anything.

3) I certainly hope they are successful though... Hummer has so much potential (That is evaporating by the day) that GM has not tapped. GM needs to continue to rapidly expand the franchise but sadly it seems like the division will dry up pretty soon. An H3 and H3T that are flawed and aging, and ancient (by todays standards) H2 and H2 SUT with only whispers of a GMT900 based replacement, and an H4 (HX) that is at least 3 years out, probably because it is dependent on the in development GMT700.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

I am also in agreement that this very capable-looking pickup ought to spur Chrysler into giving us a production Jeep Gladiator.

I have always been a fan of Jeep trucks! I'd love to see that happen.

I actually owned a Commanche at one time... TOUGH little truck that had taken lots of abuse but still ran great.

[vonVeezelsnider]

It's nice... but that "Alpha" logo is hideous.

[RJB]

A few thoughts:

1) I REALLY like this a lot! But I agree that it should've been here sooner and could've went a little further in it's mission. I wonder if all that talk of phasing out or selling Hummer a while back had something to do with it's too late arrival?

2) So this is essentially going to try and do what the Colorado and Canyon should've been designed to do in the first place? That makes me wonder if this is why GM has all but forgotten about the other 2 GMT355s despite showing many 'show cars' hinting at MCEs. GM figures it can kill 2 birds with one stone by introducing a truck to the market that can seriously (Maybe) go after the stated competition as well as throwing Hummer a bone in these increasingly anti-Hummer times. Will they be successful? I'm not sure, but I can tell you that I don't think this will have the amount of utility that the competition has.

3) This H3T is certain to suffer the same fate as the H2 SUT. The foundation is already too dated for a new offering from it to make much of an impact on anything.

3) I certainly hope they are successful though... Hummer has so much potential (That is evaporating by the day) that GM has not tapped. GM needs to continue to rapidly expand the franchise but sadly it seems like the division will dry up pretty soon. An H3 and H3T that are flawed and aging, and ancient (by todays standards) H2 and H2 SUT with only whispers of a GMT900 based replacement, and an H4 (HX) that is at least 3 years out, probably because it is dependent on the in development GMT700.

I agree with you on amost all of your points! A lot of potential here that is wasting away. I'll say it again and again, dump the H2 once and for all!! Keep the H3, the H3T...ehh pointless in every aspect, the H4 can't come out soon enough. GM is realizing very quickly that it is going to have to downsize everything with looming CAFE standards. The giant H2 will be the first to be axed, it is aged and I think a replacement is way off the radar now. The H2 was in style a long time ago when gas prices were lower, and now you are seeing GM sweating, and that is reflected in the HX Concept with a E85 V6. Believe me I like Hummer brand for the most part but sales are slipping and it is going to have to reinvent itself quickly. How far did Hummer sales slip in 2007?

[GMTruckGuy74]

I like it, although I'm not as gaa-gaa about it like I thought I would be. Maybe it's the color choice they went with (I'm not a fan of orange on most modern-day trucks).

I like this angle of it the best of all that have been shown so far:

[sciguy_0504]

Not bad but I'd rather have a true Hummer truck...cough H4 cough.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I actually like that a lot, but wish there were a regular cab/six foot bed version, which by the way would be less apt to get itself high-centered while in the bush.

Now come on... like you would know anything about THAT!